Enough with all the ‘learnings’. It’s time for the Wallabies to pass a big test

Résumé détaillé

After three humbling losses, the Wallabies have talked about taking on board painful lessons. They must put them all into action in a crucial match against Scotland.

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The internet attributes the quote to Nelson Mandela, but it may as well have come from Ted Lasso: “You either win or you learn.”

Whoever coined it, modern athletes have wholeheartedly embraced the cliché and its derivations. Listen to any post-match media comments of a losing team, and you will hear endless chat about taking “learnings” from the defeat.

There’ve been countless learnings for the Wallabies in recent times, we are told. And no wonder, given the last three games for Australia have all been monster losses that have exposed a litany of problems.

But just as we came to ruefully understand at school, there comes a point where the learning stops and exams have to be passed.

For the Wallabies, that moment arrives in Edinburgh. Up against a skilful Scotland side that sits one place above them in the world rankings, and are captained by the pugnacious ex-Australian Sione Tuipulotu, the visiting Wallabies will be given another stern test in all the areas they’ve been painfully learning from in recent outings.

They have come in a number of places, but it’s hard to not start with the defence. The Wallabies have leaked 138 points in three Tests, and while that’s an obviously ugly headline figure, other stats are insightful.

The Wallabies have missed an average of 31 tackles per game, and conceded an average of 12 line breaks, in the two losses to New Zealand and against England.

In July, however, against Ireland, France and Italy, they only missed 20 tackles per game and gave up an average of six line breaks. The fact the Wallabies had one centre pairing throughout July – Ikitau and Suaalii – but had a new midfield combination for each of the past three, points to a contributing cause: constant change brings a lack of connection and understanding, under pressure.

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